Riding the bus is an easy way to let someone else do the driving for you. It can provide you a simple way to incorporate some daily exercise into your routine and gives you time to read or just relax. Clark County is served by two different transit agencies, C-TRAN and TriMet.
If you decide to make the bus part of your trip, here are some tips to make your bus ride a little easier:
- Make sure you have current and updated information about routes and times (see below for links and information for C-TRAN and TriMet).
- Try to arrive at your bus stop a few minutes before the scheduled time. If your nearest stop is in between stops listed in the schedule, plan to arrive at your stop at the time of the prior scheduled stop just to make sure you catch the bus. As you become more familiar with the route and schedule, you can begin to adjust your time.
- As a bus approaches, check the destination sign on the front to make sure it is the right bus, and signal to the bus operator you want that bus. It is also a courtesy to the bus driver to step back and wave them on if it is not the bus you would like to take.
- As you board the bus, pay the fare with exact change or a pre-purchased ticket or pass. Bus drivers cannot make change.
- A little over one block from your stop, signal the driver that you want the next stop by pulling the bell cord or pressing the strips near the windows.
- When you get off the bus, never cross in front of the bus. Wait for the bus to move on and cross at a safe location.
- All buses are ADA accessible for both of the C-TRAN and TriMet systems. Bicycle racks are also located on the front of all buses on a first come, first serve basis.
C-TRAN serves Clark County with a fixed route system, provides connection service to areas in the county, a door-to-door paratransit service for those with disabilities who are unable to use the regular bus system, and express service to downtown Portland, Marquam Hill and the Lloyd District. For a system map and route information you can go to www.c-tran.com or call one of the phone numbers below.
(360) 695-0123 - Vancouver
(503) 283-8054 - Portland
TriMet services the Portland Metro region and includes a bus system, the light rail MAX lines, and the Portland Streetcar. For system maps and route information you can go to www.trimet.org or call (503) 238-7433.
(503) 238-7433
A TriMet transit center is a major transit hub served by several bus or MAX lines. TriMet transit centers are conveniently located throughout the metro area. Click here for details on where Transit Center locations and amenities can be found.
The hours of operation for TriMet buses varies with the routes. Some buses run past midnight, others stop earlier in the evening. Contact TriMet by phone or on the WEB to ensure you know that exact operating hours of any bus line. The MAX system runs every 5-15 minutes during the day roughly between 4:30 AM and midnight.
C-TRAN offers free parking for C-TRAN riders and carpoolers for 48 hours. C-TRAN park and ride locations can be found at:
- Battle Ground Park & Ride: Located at the east end of Main Street
- BPA Park & Ride: Highway 99 and NE 43rd Street
- Salmon Creek Park & Ride: Highway 99 & NE 134th Street
- Washougal Park & Ride: Use C Street
- Evergreen Transit Center: NE 138th Avenue and NE 18th Street
TriMet offers free parking for TriMet riders and carpoolers for 24 hours. Many of TriMet’s Park & Ride lots have been generously donated by churches and businesses. These lots are available weekdays only for TriMet riders, carpools and vanpools. Click here for details on Park and Ride lot locations and operation.
